As concerns mount over global religious violence and domestic civil liberties, two congressional candidates seeking office in Illinois have publicly outlined their positions on separate but consequential issues. Other candidates contacted by IndoUS Tribune for comment did not respond by press time.

Bruce Leon Condemns Hindu Killing in Bangladesh, Stresses Rule of Law at Home

Democratic congressional candidate Bruce Leon strongly condemned the targeted killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man lynched by a mob in Bangladesh, calling the incident part of a disturbing global rise in religiously motivated violence.

Leon described the killing as “a religiously motivated act during a period of dangerous unrest” and urged Bangladeshi authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation, prosecute those responsible, and take immediate steps to protect Hindu communities and other religious minorities.

Earlier in the day, Leon met with Jewish and Hindu community leaders in the Chicago area to discuss what he described as a troubling increase in attacks on faith communities worldwide, citing both the Bangladesh killing and a recent antisemitic attack in Australia.

“As a Jew, I know what happens when violence against minorities is excused or left unanswered,” Leon said. “Jewish history teaches us that silence enables persecution. Standing against antisemitism means standing against all forms of religious hatred.”

Leon framed the issue as a universal human rights concern rather than a regional one, emphasizing that religious freedom must be defended consistently across borders.

“Religious freedom is non-negotiable,” he said. “The rule of law must prevail. No community is expendable.”

Leon also addressed a major domestic issue, responding to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling blocking the deployment of federal troops in Illinois. He said he respected the Court’s decision and emphasized the importance of constitutional limits on executive power.

“Our democracy depends on the balance of powers and on leaders acting within clear legal authority,” Leon stated. “Public safety matters deeply, but it must always be pursued in partnership with state and local officials, with a focus on de-escalation, accountability, and community trust.”

Bushra Amiwala Praises Supreme Court for Blocking National Guard Deployment

In a separate statement, Bushra Amiwala, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 9th District, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision blocking the deployment of the National Guard to accompany ICE agents in Chicago.

The Court ruled that the federal government failed to demonstrate a lawful justification for deploying military forces, following months of controversial federal enforcement actions in the Chicago area.

Amiwala framed the ruling as a rare but important moment of judicial independence.

“Today’s ruling demonstrates that the Supreme Court is not always commandeered by right-wing extremism,” Amiwala said. “Every now and then, the Court has a conscience. This is one of those times.”

She expressed concern that the ruling could still be ignored, citing past instances in which court orders were challenged or sidestepped.

“This is what it looks like when a ruler believes he is above the law,” she said, referring to former President Donald Trump.

Amiwala focused much of her statement on the impact of aggressive immigration enforcement on daily life in her district, which includes communities such as Chicago and Skokie.

“Residents should be able to go to work, take their children to school, shop for groceries, and participate in society without fear,” she said. “They should be able to leave their homes without being harassed.”

She also called on local governments to continue passing ordinances limiting where and how ICE operates, arguing that schools, libraries, and parks must remain off-limits to immigration enforcement actions.

“Violent fascism has no place on our streets,” Amiwala said. “I’m glad the President is blocked from distorting the Guard’s mission any further.”

Other Candidates Silent

IndoUS Tribune reached out to other congressional candidates for their views on the killing of religious minorities abroad and the Supreme Court ruling on troop deployment in Illinois. No responses were received by the time of publication.

The contrasting statements from Leon and Amiwala highlight how candidates are positioning themselves on issues of religious freedom, civil liberties, and the rule of law—both internationally and at home—as the congressional race continues.